I was surprised with the Salem album I reviewed a couple weeks back simply due to the fact you don’t normally associate death metal with that band's home country of Israel. Well since I was surprised with the quality of work displayed on Salem’s album, I am simply amazed by Eternal Gray. This band also hails from Israel and HOLY SHIT is this one kick ass death metal album.

This isn’t blast beat filled death metal although there are a few sections using blast beats but always in a way that helps the song deliver an overall feel. The majority of this is mid-tempo with some absolutely crushing riffs that at times brings a very heavy thrash influence (think of the band Death on Spiritual Healing). On top of some of these killer riffs you have some well-placed melody lines that really add an extra dimension to the songs. Even with the killer rhythm work alone the guitars are outstanding on this album but add to this some excellent lead work as well and it goes from outstanding to simply fucking awesome (man… I am starting to sound like a hysterical schoolgirl… heh). The overriding factor that makes a good album though is still the songwriting and this is where this album really shines. The great variety in tempo and song structure keeps your attention throughout the entire length of the album. Hell it not only keeps your attention it fucking demands it. The songwriting again reminds me of the band Death but also quite a bit of the band Cynic with its technicality.

Overall an album that I was more than a little impressed with, especially with the fact that this is their fucking debut. I could not believe this when I first heard the album but it is true and when you consider that there are more than a few "well known" bands that don’t come close to this type of talent and this becomes even more impressive. The future certainly looks bright for Eternal Gray…